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Major depression is one of the leading causes of disability. According to World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third cause of “disease burden worldwide” projected to rank number 1 in the next decade. In the United States the yearly prevalence of major depression disorder is 10.4% and lifetime prevalence is 20.6%. Depression tends to be a chronic, recurrent illness with a recurrence rate of 50 % after the first episode, 70% after the second episode, and 90% after the third episode (WHO). Symptoms include feelings of sadness, irritation, agitation, or emptiness, feeling guilty, worthless, useless, and disruptions in cognition and fatigue, difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more, withdrawal, lack of interest in enjoyable activities, lack of energy, wanting to be left alone, lack of motivation, lack of appetite or eating more, negative thoughts about present, past, or future, hopelessness, isolation, thought that you are a burden to others or family, loss of sense of belonging, thoughts that you will be better of not here, wishing you were dead or you could go to sleep and not work up, thoughts of suicide with or without plan, intent, or preparatory behaviors, impaired judgment, poor communication or perception, strong negative internal dialogue or self-talk, episodes of crying spells, weight changes (gain or loss), not wanting to do anything and if you do, you force yourself or make yourself do things, and distorted thoughts about self, others, and the world. Examples of distorted thoughts are: “I am not good enough” or “I always messy up” or “I am unlovable” or “I am a failure”. “I do not trust anyone”. “The world is dangerous, and I cannot stand it because I am vulnerable and weak”. Such distorted thoughts can result in withdrawal and isolation. In children and adolescent poor judgment, inattention, irritable mood, sadness, disruptive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors such as cutting, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts or death by suicide are common. The good news is that depression can be treated and managed by either medication alone or by psychotherapy alone using evidence-based psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (CBT-D). Depression can also be managed by both medications and psychotherapy. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, please, contact us today and schedule your initial appointment for an evaluation to determine the appropriate level of care for you or for your loved one.